Watch the all-new BMW X6 M50d F16 in action on the Nürburgring Nordschleife!

The second generation BMW X6 made its debut earlier this month. The 2015 BMW X6 builds atop the success and design of the first generation X6 and brings to the Sports Activity Coupe design more fluid and sporty lines, aligning the X6 SAC to the current design language at BMW.

The launch of the second-generation BMW X6 will go hand-in-hand with the arrival of a BMW M Performance Automobile developed on the basis of the new Sports Activity Coupe. The new BMW X6 M50d is powered by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line diesel engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology and a maximum output of 280 kW/381 hp.

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Its driving properties are all about extraordinary agility and precisely controllable handling. Like its engine – the most powerful diesel unit in the BMW line-up – the new model’s eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission, BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system, specially tuned chassis technology, aerodynamically optimized body design and cockpit design all bear the signature of BMW M.

The expertise amassed by BMW M in motor racing and the development of high-performance sports cars has been brought to bear in the targeted modification of individual components. And this know-how is also evident in the hallmark M precision with which the chassis configuration, braking performance and aerodynamic balance of the new BMW X6 M50d are matched with the engine’s performance characteristics. This gives the BMW M Performance Automobile a distinctive, extremely sporty profile – one which is underlined by bespoke design accents and turns the driving pleasure already conjured up by a BMW X model into an inimitable, emotion-rich experience.

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The straight-six diesel engine under the bonnet of the BMW X6 M50d is another example of the BMW Group’s stand-out expertise in the field of powertrain development. Its M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology uses three turbochargers – which work together in a precision-adjusted multi- stage process – and common rail direct injection (with piezo injectors generating maximum pressure of 2,200 bar) to deliver maximum output of 280 kW/381 hp and peak torque of 740 Newton metres (546 lb-ft).

The engine powering the new BMW X6 M50d displays performance characteristics cast in the classical M mould – most tellingly in its ability to maintain maximum power output over a wide rev range. The key here is an innovative turbocharging system; two relatively small turbochargers and one large turbo dovetail precisely to deliver the amount of power required. The low moment of inertia of the small turbochargers is exploited to the full to deliver razor-sharp responses and the link-up with the large turbo is maximized to generate as much charge pressure as possible – just as the driving situation demands. The new BMW X6 M50d accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.2 seconds (0.1 seconds more quickly than its predecessor) and boasts impressive power reserves for sporty mid-range sprints, even at higher speeds.

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At the same time, the average fuel consumption of the BMW M Performance Automobile has been reduced by 14 per cent and now stands at just 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres (42.8 mpg imp). CO2 emissions come in at 174 grams per kilometre. The new BMW X6 M50d thus displays a genuine commitment to delivering impressive efficiency at this extremely high level of performance.

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The new BMW X6 M50d, meanwhile, comes as standard with sports seats in an anthracite-colored leather/Alcantara combination. Seat heating for the driver and front passenger is included as standard, while heated outer rear seats are available as an option. Also on the options list are sports seats (standard in the BMW X6 M50d), comfort seats, electric seat adjustment with memory function and active seat ventilation.

Here is the car in action: